Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, spoke to supporters and agriculture enthusiasts at Susan and Bill Shultz’s farm at 3378 County Road 21.

The former two-term Iowa governor said that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney doesn’t care about half of Americans because they are dependent on government assistance and believe they are entitled.

The charge comes on the heels of a video — filmed at a May fundraiser and made public this week — that shows the presidential hopeful telling donors that 47 percent of the country is beholden to President Barack Obama because they depend entirely on government assistance and believe they’re entitled to the handouts.

“I count myself as one of those 47 percent,” Mr. Vilsack said. “I was able to go to law school based on my father’s Social Security and (veteran’s assistance) benefits.

“That’s not being entitled, that’s what creates the kind of opportunities that makes America great.”